Call to celebrate safely this Hallowe’en

Frontline responders from Cavan County Fire Service, An Garda Síochána, and the National Ambulance Service are urging the people of Cavan to celebrate Hallowe’en safely this year and to steer clear of illegal fireworks and unsupervised bonfires, which can cause life-changing injuries.

National Ambulance Service Community Engagement Officer Liam Stewart, Cavan Fire Brigade Sub-Station Officer Danny Barr, and Community Engagement Gardaí Christine Gallagher and Connor Donohoe recently addressed local fifth and sixth class students as part of Cavan Emergency Services’ annual Hallowe’en Safety Campaign.

Illegal fireworks are not subject to safety standards and can often misfire, causing severe injuries to those handling them, and to bystanders. Every year in Ireland, injuries such as full-thickness burns, traumatic amputations, blindness, and hearing difficulties, are caused by illegal fireworks. The noise from fireworks can also be extremely distressing for vulnerable persons and for animals.

Hallowe’en bonfires also present significant risk to safety and to properties, and the public is urged to exercise caution regarding bonfires, to ensure they are not located close to properties or beneath power lines, are not built too high, and do not contain any potentially explosive or toxic substances. Under no circumstances should any accelerants such as petrol be used.

Trick or treaters and those in fancy dress, or parents of children dressing up, are reminded that many fancy dress costumes are extremely flammable, particularly those without the CE safety mark. Hairspray is also particularly flammable. Be careful around any open flames such as candles or sparklers, and stay well away from bonfires.

Children should be taught to Teach children to STOP, DROP, and ROLL in the event that their clothing does catch fire: STOP immediately, DROP to the ground and cover face (unless hands are on fire), ROLL over and over until the flames are extinguished.

Trick or treaters should also ensure they are visible, while motorists should slow down and be extra vigilant. Householders are also advised to be wary of leaving candles burning in the home, including Hallowe’en pumpkins, and to use LED alternatives where possible.

Garda Christine Gallagher from the Community Engagement Unit said, “Young children should always be accompanied by an adult when trick or treating. Do not buy, use, or ignite fireworks. Fireworks are dangerous and can cause serious injuries, and loud noise from fireworks and bangers can scare animals and people”.

“Cavan’s Community Engagement Unit has Halloween door hangers for trick or treaters this year. Green means trick or treaters are welcome and red means no to trick or treaters, it could mean there is a newborn baby in the house, or someone is ill at the address, etc. Anyone who would like one can call into Cavan Garda Station or Teach Oscail Resource Centre,” added Christine.

Liam Stewart, National Ambulance Service Community Engagement Officer said, “Children are reminded not to be afraid to ring the emergency services, to learn their Eircode, to answer all of the call-taker’s questions and that they will not be in trouble for calling 999 if someone is injured or ill”.

Cavan Town Sub-Station Officer Danny Barr said, “Bonfires can get out of control easily posing danger to nearby properties and can contain unknown materials and substances that can explode, causing serious injury. Having children in fancy dress costumes so close to a large open flame also presents a serious safety risk. No-one wants to spend Hallowe’en in A&E, so let’s all celebrate safely this year”.

In the event of emergency, call 999 or 112 immediately and ask for the emergency service you require.